1. Interest groups and their roles EQ: How do interest groups seek to influence US public policy? Warm up: Watch this video (Thank you for smoking trailer)Thank you for smoking trailer and answer the following questions: 1.What are the main INTEREST GROUP in this movie? 2.What is a lobbyist? 3.Explain how lobbyists are portrayed in this trailer.

2. Word wall 1.Interest group- group of people who share common goals and organize to influence government. 2.Civil Society- network of voluntary associations that exist outside of government in any free society. 1.Ex. Gardening clubs, Red Cross, interests groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) 3.Lobbyists- paid representatives of interest groups who try to LOBBY (influence) government officials.

3. Interest groups vs. political parties 1.Support candidates who favor ideas. 2.Only concerned with few issues 3.Do not try to attract members with different points of view. 4.Fixed ideologies 5.Organized on common values, not geographic location 1.Nominate candidates and try to win office. 2.Broad-based ideology. 3.Must attract people of varied ideas to win elections. 4.Consider problems that affect all Americans. 5.Organized by geographic location for representation. 1.Influence government policies. 2.Form of representative government.

5. Have you ever thought about… 1.Who decides what is offered in the school cafeteria? 2.Are there any rules about what is served? 3.Who might care about what you eat and why the might be interested? Well…today you will! Directions: Read pg. 1 of your packet and fill out the graphic organizer on your notes. (5 mins)

6. Read the first 2 paragraphs of pg. 2 and… Directions: Match the Type of Interest group with the interest group it best represents.

7. Finish reading “Taking sides” on page 2 and fill out the graphic organizer on your answer packet.

8. How do interest groups impact government? Assignment: Create your own interest group T-shirt assignment! You may create one from the reading or one covering a topic that interests you.

9. Day 2: Interest groups How do interest groups impact government? Read pg. 3 in your packet and answer questions (5 mins)

10. PACs vs. Super PACs Colberts Super PAC - Americans for a better tomorrow, tomorrow. Colberts Super PAC - Americans for a better tomorrow, tomorrow.

11. PACs- Political Action Committees PACs Super PACs Limited $ per candidate ($2,600 to each candidate per election) CAN donate to candidate (up to $5000 per election). Defined as any group that spends over $1000 to influence a federal election. NOT run by candidate Raise $ to support campaigns. UNLIMITED $$$$! CANNOT DIRECTLY donate to a candidate or party.

12. Exit ticket time!!!